Rising Tide: Charter School Market Share and Student Achievement


Research Rundown Issue: October '19
Publisher: Thomas B. Fordham Institute
Date Published: September '19


Description

In a new analysis, the Fordham Institute looks at whether overall achievement for students across a community changes as the “market share” of charter schools grows. The study finds that in large urban areas, higher charter market share is associated with significant achievement gains for Black and Latinx students. In suburban and rural areas, higher charter market share is associated with significant achievement gains for Latinx students, and Black students in rural districts also see gains. Importantly, the report found no evidence that charter schools have a negative effect on the performance of district schools. These findings are complementary to another recent study, which found that English language learners and students with special needs in Boston charter schools had significant increases in academic performance and postsecondary outcomes.

Why This Matters in Minnesota

All parents want what is best for their kids and should have the power to choose the right school from a range of high-quality options. This is particularly important for low-income families and families of color who have been historically underserved in our schools. Right now, however, such families too often have access to fewer, not more, school options. Given recent local debate over charter schools, with some even calling for a moratorium, it is important to understand what research tells us about both outcomes within charter schools and impacts on the larger ecosystem.

Read the full analysis